Question 1

According to Peter Berger (Invitation to Sociology), the discipline of sociology is defined by&#10;A) its use of statistics to test hypotheses.&#10;B) the good works and improved living conditions that come from higher education.&#10;C) its effort to understand society in a scientific way.&#10;D) its respect for others' privacy, and its avoidance of personal matters.

Accepted Answer

Peter Berger argues that sociology is defined by its effort to understand society in a scientific way, which involves using empirical data and systematic observation to test hypotheses and develop theories. While statistics may be a useful tool in this process, they are not the sole defining feature of the discipline. Similarly, while higher education may lead to positive social outcomes, such as improved living conditions, this is not the defining purpose of sociology. Finally, while privacy and personal matters may be important ethical considerations for sociologists, they are not the primary focus or defining characteristic of the field.

Question 2

Berger writes about several images people have of sociologists. Which is NOT one of them?&#10;A) sociologist as scientist with a sense of inferiority about the quality of his or her science&#10;B) sociologist as statistician&#10;C) sociologist as celebrity, often appearing on television to give an opinion of news events and social problems&#10;D) sociologist as solver of society's problems

Accepted Answer

Berger writes about how people view sociologists as scientists, statisticians, and problem-solvers, but does not mention the view of sociologists as celebrities.

Question 3

Berger believes that sociology&#10;A) is a scientific practice that is only successful if the sociologists are passionate about doing it.&#10;B) is a waste of money if it does not make people's lives better.&#10;C) must use statistics to be credible.&#10;D) is invaluable as a tool to make the world a better place.

Accepted Answer

A

Question 4

When we talk about sociological methods we are referring to&#10;A) a particular way sociologists act in public settings, as opposed to in their personal lives.&#10;B) the processes by which sociologists gather and analyze data.&#10;C) a teaching technique that raises questions rather than provides answers.&#10;D) the scholarly writing done by sociologists.

Accepted Answer

Sociological methods refer to the processes of gathering and analyzing data in a systematic and scientific way in order to study social phenomena. This includes both quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Question 5

Berger describes the sociologist as a person who is&#10;A) committed to changing the world.&#10;B) easy to get along with and much admired.&#10;C) curious about everything people do.&#10;D) unlikely to vote, but knows a lot about voters and voting behavior.

Accepted Answer

Berger describes the sociologist as someone who is curious about everything people do. While sociologists may be committed to changing the world, this is not necessarily a defining characteristic. Similarly, there is no indication that sociologists are either easy to get along with or much admired, nor is there any mention of their political behavior or knowledge.

Question 6

Sociologists make an effort to do many things. Which of the following is NOT one of them?&#10;A) understand and appreciate what is socially deviant as well as what is socially acceptable&#10;B) question the things everyone takes for granted&#10;C) compare social practices in their own society with those in other societies&#10;D) discover potential threats to their country's security and communicate these to the government&#10;E) discover or uncover information that provides new insight into what people think they know 2. Personal Experiences and Public Issues (from The Sociological Imagination)&#10;C) WRIGHT MILLS

Accepted Answer

Sociologists do not have a primary responsibility to discover potential threats to their country's security and communicate these to the government. This is more in the realm of national security agencies and law enforcement. Sociologists focus on understanding human behavior and social structures, and analyzing social issues and trends.

Deck 1: Sociology As an Individual Pastime From Invitation to Sociology